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Syncope: epidemiology, etiology, and prognosis.
1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Frontiers in Physiology
|December 25, 2014
Summary
Syncope, a common condition, affects up to 39% of people, with higher incidence in older adults. Identifying the cause is crucial for reducing syncope
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Syncope affects 15-39% of the population, with incidence increasing significantly after age 70.
- Recurrence rates reach 35%, and physical injury occurs in 29% of cases.
- Neurocardiogenic syncope is most common, but cardiac, orthostatic, and other causes exist.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, and prognosis of syncope.
- To emphasize the importance of identifying syncope etiology for risk stratification.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and epidemiological data analysis.
- Clinical diagnosis aided by electrocardiogram (ECG).
Main Results:
- Annual syncope incidence is 6.2 per 1000 person-years, rising to 19.5 per 1000 after age 80.
- Cardiac syncope carries 18-33% annual mortality, versus 0-12% for non-cardiac causes.
- Diagnosis is possible via clinical methods and ECG in over 50% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Syncope is a prevalent condition with significant morbidity and mortality risk, particularly when cardiac in origin.
- Accurate etiological diagnosis and risk stratification are essential for effective management and improved patient outcomes.
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